Russia Threatens New Wave of Attacks on Kyiv, Warns Foreigners to Leave

Russia has threatened to launch a fresh round of large-scale strikes against Kyiv, warning foreign nationals and diplomats to leave the Ukrainian capital as tensions in the war continue to escalate.

In a statement issued by Russia’s foreign ministry, Moscow said upcoming attacks would target what it described as “decision-making centres,” military command posts and drone manufacturing facilities in Kyiv.

The warning came days after Russia carried out one of its largest aerial assaults on the Ukrainian capital since the beginning of the war.

Russian authorities advised foreign citizens to avoid administrative and military facilities in Kyiv and urged diplomats and expatriates to leave “as soon as possible.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday night’s bombardment killed at least four people and injured nearly 100 others across Kyiv and surrounding regions.

Moscow claimed the attacks were retaliation for an alleged Ukrainian strike on a student dormitory in Starobilsk, located in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine, where Russian officials said 21 people were killed. 

However, Ukraine’s military denied targeting civilians, insisting its forces had struck an elite Russian drone unit operating in the area.

Videos circulating on social media showed explosions lighting up Kyiv’s skyline throughout the night as missiles and drones pounded multiple locations.

According to reports, Russia deployed dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles alongside hundreds of drones during the assault. It also reportedly launched a hypersonic Oreshnik missile toward the area of Bila Tserkva, south of Kyiv.

 Several civilian sites were damaged, including the Chernobyl Museum, the National Art Museum of Ukraine, residential buildings, markets and shopping centres.

Analysts say Russia’s latest warning to foreigners may be aimed at intensifying psychological pressure on Ukraine amid the prolonged conflict.

Despite repeated bombardments since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, Ukraine has significantly strengthened its air defence systems with support from Western allies.

However, Ukrainian officials have warned that the country remains heavily dependent on foreign military assistance and missile interception systems to withstand Russia’s sustained attacks.